Go Back 2 School or Stay Home?

I have to say from experience only. I never went to college but graduated high school. BIG MISTAKE If you don't go to college like my oldest son at least get a trade which is what he is going to do. I was a single mom with no college education and worked 3 jobs cause I wasn't getting child support. This is the reason my oldest is determined to get his hvac liscense. so he doesn't have to live that way when he becomes a parent. He is learing from my mistakes not his. With the economy you either go to college, get a trade or work at mcdonalds. pick the lesser of the evil. and since you have a baby go to one close to home. just a moms opinion that did things the hard way.

I picked up my 2 year degree (to transfer to a 4 year school) over 3.5 years, going part time starting when my son was 2mo old at the local community college.

For ME it was the best of both worlds. I got a financial aid check which paid for school and left *quite* a bit of money left over each month, I only had to be gone between 4-10 hours each week (easy to arrange daycare for that little time... and once transferring to the University, the U subsidizes childcare... so we sent our son to a *killer* montessori preschool we would never have been able to afford otherwise)... and then once I had my transfer degree I could transfer into any state school in the country and the vast majority of private schools.

I'm actually on hiatus from school at the moment (hubby got a raise that priced us out of financial aid, so we're saving right now)... but have about 7 years left in front of me. Raising my son while being in school has just been the BEST experience. And as a bonus, he's always been thrilled with the idea of school since he's been watching his mum

((Financial aid varies by region and "need" (includes institution cost, aka a 2k a year community college vs a 15k per year state school or a 35k per year private school), but in my case, I got about 12k a year. School cost about 2k per year including books... which left just a little under 1000 a month for living expenses. While my husband was at the university -he graduated 2 years ago- he got about 25k per year in student aid, which also left about 10k left over for living expenses.))

After getting my AAS, I took a year to work... and going to school was sooooo much easier with a small child than working... and as a bonus, my income *ability* rises as my educational level does, and as I add my degrees on, it skyrockets. So being in school I got to help support my family AND be woking towards my own goals at the same time.

Honestly, if there is any way you can continue with your education it would be the best thing you could do for you and your family. Talk to some local school counselors and find out if there is something you can do there that would help prepare you for your ultimate career in Vet science. I'm sure there are some classes you could attend and maybe even receive some grants so it becomes cost effective.
In a year, you will be a year older. You can be a year older with some schooling under your belt, or you can be a year older and doing what you are doing now.
Check into online classes, especially since you will have little ones at home. Online school is getting very popular and it could be perfect for your current situation.
You say you know of a school that you prefer... Call them and ask them for suggestions. That would be a good place to start.
Good luck and congratulations for being intuitive enough to care about your future.

This is a tough decision, and I admire you for having the courage (and energy!) to go back to school with two little ones. Personally, if I were in your shoes I think I would wait and enjoy my children while they are young and then once they are both in school I'd shoot for more education. I say this as I am contemplating school myself, but you have a lot more time on your side since you had your babies younger.

I do think education is important (I happen to work at a college :-) But I also know that education will always be there, but your babies will only be young once. Needless to say, if you feel that not having employable skills leaves you vulnerable if anything were to go wrong, then yes, please go for your education. I think it wise to always have contingency plans. Also, there are more colleges now that are online and fully credible (and accredited). Some from regular Universities (other than U of Phoenix etc.) These are specifically designed for folks who already have a life and can be really flexible. Just be sure to price shop. Online schools can be really pricey. Also, find out within the industry you plan to work in how the school you are thinking of going with is perceived.

Good luck to you, I'm sure it will work out great. And congratulations on the second!

Do you have your GED? THAT is necessary, a college degree...is optional. I have a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in Special Education. I taught for 14 years because that is "what I was supposed to do". I spent over $75 000 to be educated to teach and when I reached the top of my pay scale, i was making $60 000 a year. Not bad pay, but I had NO LIFE.

5 years ago I joined a network marketing company, I work from home, I travel when I want to, I volunteer at my kids school every field trip etc, I am active on different committees, I volunteer AND I support my family. My husband was always a stay at home dad and when I started my home based business he just kept doing what he was doing.

C., do not be skeptical of what is out there, start asking questions. Talk to be people who ARE DOING IT not who "tried it and failed". Some things to ask/consider to find out if the opportunity is legit or not:
1. Is there a physical product or service?
2. Can someone just be a buyer of the products/service or MUST they be a distributor (big red flag if there is no buyer program)
3. What kind of training is offered and at what cost? Legitimate companies want you to succeed so they offer almost free training (my company does an intensive weekend of training - 3 days - $199)
4. Who is running the company, what is their background?
5. Do they have a strong internet presence (and does it cost you to be a part of it?
6. Is their payment plan fair, can ANYONE make money or "just the people at the top" (I currently out earn the lady that sponsored me PLUS her sponsor combined)
7. Is there REAL evidence of money being made (if they are "flashing their checks" at the front of the room...walk out.)
8. Attend a presentation or conference call, find out who is "leading"?
9. Does the company encourage personal growth?
10. Is there a family atmosphere or is it too competitive (there is always enough for everyone)
11. Can you see yourself and your children being a part of this company?

C., if you want to talk more, send me a private message. My best advice is this...follow your heart and the money will come...it always does.
I have been in EVERY direct sales company imaginable...i tried it all...candles, books and games, "plastic", adult toys, you name it I did it. Now, i have found a product and a service that I could be passionate about that I truly love. I get to help families feed their kids better WHILE creating a second stream of income.

I hope you find what you are looking for!

B.
Family Success Coach

You can work on classes that can transfer to the college of your choice when your family is ready to move to the college town. Find a local Jr. College or University and enroll in a few classes a semester and see how it goes. Vet med is like going to medical school and is VERY demanding. I think you might get a feel of how that fits in our lifestyle and family life by taking some undergrad classes nearby now.

If he is able to financial provide for your family and you are having another baby in months to come, it is probably a good time for you to stay home and raise your children. With you staying home you are actually contributing a ton to the household and saving lots of money that would otherwise go to a daycare. The school you want to go to is in another state is not even an option to consider. In a few years it would be a wonderful idea to return to school. Hopefully there are other schools near your home town where you can study for something in a similar field that would help you to find a full or part time position that you enjoy and would work in all of your schedules.

good for you!
get your GED first if you don't have it already, then hit up your community college for vet tech prerequisites. just take as many classes at a time as your finances and sanity allow.
you are doing an excellent thing for your family, and setting an excellent example for your children.
once you have your associate's you can make a better decision on where to go to vet school but you can start putting the foundation on your plan now.
good luck!
khairete
S.

School with small children is not as hard as it sounds. First try looking in your area for a local accreited school and get your basics out of the way (english, poli sci, etc.) It can be alot cheaper at a Jr college than a full University and they often offer night classes. The quicker you get back in the easier it will be

Why don't you try to do your schooling online? They have alot of great sites to try. I know alot of people that are getting their degrees online.
Also you could work from home too. I am with a great Inc 500 company. You can work at home and bring in extra cash at the same time. Please visit my site at www.mymommysoffice.com to get more information. This is a legit job and I love doing it with my daughter by my side. I hope to hear from you.

I am not sure if you dropped out from high school or college, as you don't specify that. I agree with Sarah's post - first you will need the basics. If you don't have your high school diploma, you will have to get your GED. Then, you will need to take general education classes before even starting on a specific discipline. I know the junior colleges here require all prospective students to take English and math placement exams, usually at no cost. This is to ensure the students are ready for college level work. Just take it one step at a time.

I'm getting ready to go back to work full time right now and boy, if I could, I'd love to stay home and raise my baby boy. Then again, I've already got my degrees. It's a hard decision. If you are financially stable, then I'd suggest staying home until your new baby is a year or two. You can maybe then do daycare a couple of times a week and go to school, either for your GED or general requisites. Then by the time your 21 month old is in kindergarten, you can start looking at degree programs. Good luck!